Rindr

A character from Norse mythology, variously described as a jötunn, a goddess, or a human princess. In the eddic poem Baldrs draumar she is the mother of Váli by Odin, and bore her son in Vestrsalir, the western halls. Snorri Sturluson in Gylfaginning reckons Rindr among the Ásynjur. She is also listed among the goddesses in the Nafnaþulur. Her name appears in several kennings, among which "Son of Odin and Rindr" (for Váli) and "Co-wife of Rindr" (for Jörð).

A skaldic verse by the tenth-century poet Kormákr Ögmundarson, and quoted by Snorri in Skáldskaparmál, says how Odin used magic (seiðr) to trap Rindr:

The Giver of Lands, who bindeth

the sail to the top, with gold lace

Honors him who pours god's verse-mead;

Odin wrought charms on Rindr.

A comparable story is found in the Genesta Danorum by Saxo Grammaticus. Here, Rinda was the daughter of Gevarus, the King of the Ruthenians. After his son Balderus was killed by Høtherus, Othinus was told to beget a son by Rinda. Othinus first tried to seduce her but when that failed, he raped her. She gave birth to a son, Bous, who some years later killed Høtherus and thus avenged Balderus.

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